I own a 1997 Accord with 247k miles. I've owned it since 220k, and have always used regular Pennzoil 5w-30 in it (It does burn oil). I don't know the previous oil used. Would it be wise to switch to high mileage oil? Thanks!

 

Chances are your piston rings are all gummed up and stuck in their grooves or your valve stem seals are hard as a rock. Worst case scenario your pistons and cylinder bores are scored.

Truthfully, if it's burning oil, changing oil brand or viscosity isn't going to make much difference at this point. Sorry!

Try checking the PCV valve, if it gets gummed up, it can cause excessive crankcase pressure which can push oil past the rings. Remove the PCV valve and give it a good shake. You should be able to hear the plunger rattling inside. If not, you can clean it with carb cleaner, Amsoil Power Foam etc., or just replace it, (it's pretty darn cheap at Autozone).

Michael Rush

 

michael is right, older high mileage hondas burn some oil and smoke and all the fun stuff that keeps the environmentalists happy. Changing one oil for another wont do ya too much good now. To be honest I have never fully discovered the difference between one or the other, I would guess viscosity but that cant be it. Make sure you keep the oil level topped and she will go forever

 

High mileage will help a lil if you have leaking seals, but not burning oil.

 

High mileage oils have seal conditioners that help old seals become more pliable, helping them seal better. For burning oil, you could try a detergent like seafoam down in the cylinders to help dissolve deposits around the piston rings. If its your valve stems, then there's not much you can do without doing mechanical work.

 

5W-30 is kinda thin bro, you should atleast try a 10W-30.

 

Not necessarily at operating temperature. SOME 5W-30s may shear slighly less than 10W-30, but the differences are neglible with most oils. Check their datasheets and used oil analyses available at many places online.

To OP: how much oil is burned or leaks out over how many miles? More than a quart in 1,000 miles??